 | Brook-feather, Yellowroot, Parsley-leaf Yellow-root Xanthorhiza simplicissima Ranunculaceae Brook-feather, sporting attractive pinnate or bi-pinnate leaves, inhabits moist woods, shaded stream banks and thickets, where it suckers in the spring into a low, weak, shrubby plant. The brownish purple, star shaped flowers that appear prior to leafing out are interesting, but not showy. It is rare in Southeast Texas, but ranges northeast to New York. In the landscape in neutral to acid soil, yellowroot makes an attractive, upright, dense groundcover with lustrous bright green celery- like leaves. Its leaves have a purplish hue when new in the spring, and turn yellow with bronze and purple overtones before falling in autumn. It prefers shaded, damp, well drained soil, but dry soils will curb its suckering tendencies. It reaches only 2 to 3 feet in eight while creating a dense carpet of foliage. Although it is in the nursery trade and can be seen at several public institutions in the East, American gardeners have largely overlooked its ornamental potential.
Plant Habit or Use: groundcover Exposure: shade Flower Color: brownish purple Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: follicle Height: 4 inches to 2 feet Width: 2 to 3 feet Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: acid Additional Comments:
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